💼Come down here folks

Good morning, PTBO! This newsletter might be fire, but the only flames we want to see are in your BBQ. Huge thanks to the firemen and firewomen out there working hard to keep our community safe.

In today’s PTBO Brief:

Let's get to it.

— M&B

Canada’s longest running free admission folk fest is back for its 36th year, drawing over 15,000 people to downtown venues and Nicholls Oval Park. From August 14–17, you can catch four days of music, culture, and community, with over 30 artists and bands (including 12 local acts) on the lineup. Expect a mix of performers, in a welcoming, inclusive setting. Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and soak up one of the city’s biggest annual events.

The festival kicks off Thursday night with a special concert by Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat and PFF Emerging Artist of the Year Jeanne Truax at Market Hall Centre. It’s the perfect warm-up before three more days of music, culture, and community. We’ll be sharing the full festival lineup and schedule in Friday’s edition so you can plan your weekend. tickets are available here ($)

Heads up, drivers - starting yesterday, the westbound lane of Maria Street between Rogers Street and Ashburnham Drive is closed for underground service maintenance. The closure is in effect all week, with work expected to wrap up Friday. Eastbound traffic can still get through, but westbound drivers will need to follow posted detours. The City says signs are up to guide you around the work zone, but it’s best to plan ahead and expect delays if you’re heading that way.

💃 The Academy of Dance Returns: Peterborough’s Academy of Dance is making its return. Founded by JoAnne Mitchell-Agar and later run by her student Mandy Juby Livings, the studio has been a home for young dancers for decades. Now, director Erin Livings is bringing it back with classes in ballet, jazz, tap, acro, and lyrical for kids 14 and under all while keeping Mrs. Agar’s legacy of technique, artistry, and excellence alive.

🎩New Chamber President : Brenda Whitehead is stepping in as the new president and CEO of the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. She’s spent the past seven years running the Port Hope Chamber, and she’s big on community building, strategic planning, and connecting local businesses with decision-makers. Brenda officially started on August 5, and she’s ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.

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Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

🎬 Movies at the Square—Jumanji: Watch Jumanji under the stars at Quaker Square. Bring a chair, grab some snacks, and enjoy a free outdoor movie night with friends or family. 8 PM Quaker Square

🎤 Open Mic: Show off your talent or just enjoy the music at this lively open mic hosted by Johann Burkhardt. 8 PM Black Horse Pub

🌠 Meteor Shower Viewing: Catch one of the year’s best sky shows with the Peterborough Astronomical Association. Bring the family and enjoy telescopes, binoculars, and plenty of shooting stars- weather permitting. 9 PM Harold Town Conservation Area

🎭 Wild Irish Geese: Follow the journey of Irish settlers who escaped poverty in the 1820s to start new lives in what became Peterborough. A moving local history brought to life on stage. Aug 12–16 6 PM 4th Line Theatre ($)

🧵 Totally Textiles: Part of a summer packed with creative camps, this week (for ages 7–11) is all about sewing, dyeing, and weaving. Kids will craft stuffed characters, colorful artworks, woven bookmarks, and wall hangings while learning the cultural stories behind textiles. All programs are led by an experienced art education team in a lively, supportive atmosphere. Aug 11–15 1–4 PM Art Gallery ($)

🧠 Trivia Night: Round up your crew and test your knowledge over drinks at this weekly trivia showdown. Bragging rights (and maybe prizes) are on the line. 8 PM The Social

🎭 Arts & Culture Open House: Meet the city’s Cultural Services team and share your ideas to help shape Peterborough’s arts and culture future. Open to artists, cultural workers, and anyone passionate about creativity and connection. 5 PM Peterborough Public Library

🎤 Choir! Choir! Choir! – We Will CHOIR! YOU!: Join hundreds of voices for an epic Queen sing along led by Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman. They’ll teach you the parts, you bring the passion — and together you’ll rock Del Crary Park under the stars. 8 PM Del Crary Park

📺 The Office Trivia Night: Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica. Gather your team of 2–6 and battle it out for prizes in this free to attend, pay to play night of laughs and quotes from The Office. 7:30 PM Boston Pizza Peterborough N ($)

🍽 New Orleans Harvest Dinner: Savor a four-course feast inspired by the flavors of the French Quarter, each paired with Ontario wine, plus a cocktail hour with canapés. Enjoy live jazz all evening from The Sean Stanley Trio while dining under the stars.5 PM Rolling Grape Vineyard ($)

🎨 Summer Drop-In Art for Kids: Free weekly make and take crafts for kids of all ages, with all materials provided. A new project every Wednesday just drop in and get creative. 11 AM The Artisans Centre

🥕 Farmers’ Market: Browse fresh local produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and ready to eat meals. 8 AM Quaker Square

👢 Line Dancing Lessons & Dinner: Kick up your heels with a night of line dancing, great food, and cocktails in a lively, feel-good atmosphere. No experience needed just bring your dancing shoes. 5:30 PM Kawartha Downs ($)

🚗Cruise Night: Check out classic cars, enjoy tasty eats from local vendors, and groove to live music from Stephanie Dauncey & Double Trouble. A perfect evening for gearheads, music lovers, and families a like. 4PM Craftworks at the Barn

🎵 Folk Fest Kick Off Concert-Basia Bulat: Montreal singer songwriter Basia Bulat brings her soulful, folk inspired sound to the stage, joined by 2025 Emerging Artist Jeanne Truax with her rockabilly and roots flair. An unforgettable night of powerhouse vocals and high-energy performances. 7 PM Market Hall ($)

🎨 Black Canvas Painting: Learn step by step techniques for painting on black or dark canvases in this 3-part series with instructor Thom Whitby. All brushes, palette, and canvas included just bring your creativity. 3 PM McDonnel Street Community Centre ($)

🎉 Bingo Night: Because shouting “BINGO” in a crowded room never gets old. Come for the cards, stay for the bragging rights. 7:30 PM The Social

Joanna & Danny | McThirsty’s | 8 PM

Kevin Foster | McThirsty’s | 8 PM
Siobhan Bodrug & Caitlin Currie | Jethro’s | 8 PM
Choir! Choir! Choir! | Musicfest | 8 PM
Focused & Joslynn Burford | Bonnacord Studios | 9 PM
Space Heaters | Jethro’s | 10 PM

Zach Erickson | 100 Acre Brewing | 5 PM
Sean Jamieson | Rolling Grape | 5:30 PM
Gunslingers | Haven Senior Centre | 6 PM
Stu Ross | Crook & Coffer | 7 PM
Carling Stephan + Rob Phillips | Black Horse Pub | 7 PM
DJ Candy Crush | McThirsty’s | 8 PM

Looking for your next job? Here are some local listings that have popped up over the last week.

THANKS!

Stay classy Peterborough, and thank you again for reading!

Have an event you want to feature or share a new job listing? Drop us a line here → [email protected]